Seven Must-Visit Spots in Redfern for Every Occasion
Seek out one of Sydney's tastiest rotisserie chickens and a moody jazz bar in this inner city hood.
Seven Must-Visit Spots in Redfern for Every Occasion
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Seek out one of Sydney's tastiest rotisserie chickens and a moody jazz bar in this inner city hood.
It's no surprise Redfern has become one of Sydney's most desirable places to reside. Of course, the charming neighbourhood has long had a diversity of cultures, plus accessibility to both the inner city and inner west suburbs in its favour. Combine these with the many bars, restaurants and eclectic shops that have made their home here over the past few years and The 'Fern has become quite the illustrious postcode.
With all this at your fingertips, we've teamed up with American Express to put together a handy guide to the small businesses in the area to seek out — whether you're on the hunt for a cosy date night spot or a place to flex your DIY skills.
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Sunday is the day of rest — and what better way to relax before launching back into the working week than by enjoying a little live music? Head down to Moya’s — just look for the antique gin poster on Regent Street — and step back in time with a smartly curated cocktail list, plus live jazz every Sunday between 6–9pm.
As you may have guessed from the name, gin is the hero here. The menu features illustrations and notes on the historical origins of each drink and its composition. If you don’t want to go that in-depth then it’s hard to go wrong with the $10 negroni Sunday special. For those not gin-inclined, you’ll be pleased to see a well-balanced wine list and a solid selection of local craft beer.
Image: Steven Woodburn
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Chances are, someone you know has already said to you at least once: “Oh my god, you should go to Ron’s!”. And, guess what? They’re right. It’s the perfect spot for a group meal, serving up fresh spins on a bunch of classic Mediterranean dishes. While you can order a la carte, the set menus are immensely popular for groups of six or more. Choose from the meat or vegetarian banquet, $60 and $50 respectively, and be treated to the chef’s selection of eight small and large plates. For the meat-eaters, that includes digging into the signature rotisserie chicken with house-made chilli and garlic toum — one of the best of its kind in the city.
An impressive wine list of both local and international drops will help you wash all this down, or perhaps A Strong Vibe — a concoction of mezcal, blood orange, lime agave and bitters — if you’re feeling a little more adventurous.
Image: Kitti Gould
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Both Surry Hills and Redfern lay claim to this quaint neighbourhood bar. It technically falls into the 2016 postcode, despite its close proximity to Crown street, so its place on this list is valid. Arms Length is a smart cocktail bar serving up classics with an in-house twist, alongside a punchy wine list and a succinct selection of local craft beers. For eats, it’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Order a plate of split king prawns with chilli and garlic, paired with a bottle of Doom Juice Rosé and see where the night takes you and your date.
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If you’re looking to add some flair and creativity to your house or you’re finally getting round to doing that lockdown project you thought about last year, then be sure to hit up Bev’s Remnant House. This retailer provides swatches of rare, unusual or end-of-the-roll fabrics, perfect if you’re thinking of upholstering a chair with a new cover, or customising your favourite vintage jacket.
If you fancy the idea but not the actual work, then fear not as it also supplies a range of ready-made furniture pieces, pillows, cushions, tablecloths and umbrellas, each with a unique textile design certain to stand out.
Image: Kitti Gould
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For a store that began selling handmade jewellery at Paddington Markets way back in 1985, Dinosaur Designs has certainly come a long way. What hasn’t changed, however, is the care, expertise and attention to detail that goes into each unique piece. Dinosaur Designs draws on aesthetic elements from the sea to create tasteful, distinctive pieces.
So if you need to pick up the perfect gift, swing by its outlet and sample store on Elizabeth Street. A vast array of discontinued jewellery, handbags and home decor designs are available here. International delivery is also available if you’re looking to send some handmade Aussie gifts to loved ones overseas.
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Looking for a brunch spot that isn’t all endless glasses of prosecco and smashed avo? Then head to Kepos Street Kitchen. This Redfern go-to churns out modern Middle Eastern cuisine in a homely, leafy setting. The menu changes regularly but include the likes of Moroccan duck cigar with poached egg, goat’s cheese and pistachios; sabich pita; and burrata with eggplant, soft boiled egg, volcanic salt and toast. Local and international wines are available, and BYO (wine only) is offered at $10 corkage per person.
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Beer o’clock? Then look no further than The Woolpack, an old-school Sydney boozer with dark wood-panelled interior, outdoor seating and one of the best tap lists in the area. It’s definitely a craft beer place, but it doesn’t make a big deal about it, even when it’s pouring some weird, wonderful and rare drops. It’s big on the hazy IPAs, but keeps a balance of other styles to suit all palates if the opaque juice bombs aren’t your thing. If you need a little stomach-lining to assist in your sampling, expect to see the usual suspects of pub fare, like beef and vegetable pie, served with mash, peas and gravy, and bangers and mash.
Image: Cassandra Hannagan
